From the 100 Mile Free Press archives

36 Years Ago (1982): A water control structure that had been proposed since 1997 for Horse Lake would almost certainly go ahead, according to Mayor Ross Marks. The intention was to store approximately three inches of water in Horse Lake as there was not enough creek water to adequately service 100 Mile House in summer months, according to engineer Brian Walker.

29 Years Ago (1989): A number of bald eagles, wounded by a poacher’s bullet or hit by a vehicle were rescued from death by Spring Lake Ranch owner John Barkowsky. “We’ve gained a great appreciation for wildlife,” he said. “The animals learn to trust you; they know when you’re going to feed them.” Barkowsky was also taking care of a yearling deer and had taken care of other animals in the past.

21 Years Ago (1997): The revived 100 Mile House Snowmobile Club had 88 members and was planning for a local trail system to turn 100 Mile into a destination snowmobile centre. “There’s a huge business potential in 100 Mile to become the snowmobile capital of the Cariboo,” said vice-president of the 100 Mile House Snowmobile Club Peter Castonguay.

15 Years Ago (2003): The 100 Mile House Forest District office has been forced to trim 42 positions down to 31. The Clinton office was set to close. The provincial government was aiming to reduce the Ministry’s budget by 35 per cent (or $189 million) over three years. Plans were to cut 1,400 jobs over that same period. The Cariboo Forest Region office in Williams Lake was set to close at the end of the month.

9 Years Ago (2009): The 100 Mile Wood Products main shop and office building went up in flames and was completely destroyed along with some heavy equipment. Owner James Harrod said the fire seemed to have started in the shop area only about 10 minutes after he closed up shop due to the extreme cold and had gone to town. No one at the time was believed to have been on site at the time the fire broke out.